322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head?

[Rick Anderson]

I have decided on the 055XPROB tripod legs. I know that the 488RC2 is a highly regarded ball head but I really like the ease of use of the grip action heads so I'm considering the 322RC2 sold HERE (http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=585) I shoot a variety or things from landscapes to birds to portraits. I have a 30D with a battery grip and my heaviest lens is a 100-400L. Does anybody have anything to say about this head versus the 488RC2? Is it strong enough?

http://www.samys.com/images/products/BOGE322RC2.jpg

[EdV]

I have the 322RC2, have used it for nearly a year, and like it a lot. I use it about 90% of the time with my 30D and 400mm f/5.6L. No problems.

[SkipD]

The grip can be a real pain to carry in the field and probably won't fit into a bag with the tripod very well.

I sometimes use my 488RC2 with the ball kept somewhat loose and move the camera/lens with both hands on it when following moving subjects. I don't think this is possible with the grip head, as you have to squeeze the grip to loosen the ball. You'd need a third hand to accomplish what I do with my ball head.

[Jon]

It's strong enough, but you'll hate it if you spend much time trying to track a moving target. Better get some grip exercisers and start training.

[René Damkot]

I've never liked the "grip action" ball heads...
IMHO they offer a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

[jrsforums]

I am with the other guys. The 488 will serve you well...stable and with the ability to slightly loosen to get free movement. To get anything better than the 488 puts you in the $300+ range for tension adjusting heads.

[photographer unknown]

Having owned both the 3265 and the 322RC2 grip actions, I can tell you that neither are great for panning and both potentially cause hand fatigue depending on the amount of use they are getting at any one session. Secondly, with my 30D and 100-400L sag was a continuos issue. Just when I would have the composition set just the way I wanted it the ball would creep. At times it was even and issue with the 24-70L.

[thatkatmat]

Hmm. looks like I'm in the minority, but, I like the grip, I do have big hands but the grip really isn't hard to squeeze (IMO). Since I switched to the 322Rc2 I just seem to enjoy using the tripod more. Mine fits in the bag just fine, in fact it fits perfectly into a standard 36" with my legs. Was just shooting with the 1DmkIII and the 70-2002.8IS early this morning and the weight is fine....no sag.
BUT>>>I must say, I use the tripod when I'm stationary, that is to say I don't pan while shooting,(I use a monopod for that) usually I am doing a landscape or long exposer . Hope this helps

[CyberDyneSystems]

Just say NO to grip action heads...

[nutsnbolts]

Yup, that's the same dilemma I was in. 488RC2 or the 322RC2. In the end, I decided to go with the 488RC2 and be done with it.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yup, that's the same dilemma I was in. 488RC2 or the 322RC2. In the end, I decided to go with the 488RC2 and be done with it.

Wasn't that just 29 minutes ago? :lol: :)

FYI to both of you, I was lured in by the grip heads when I started, and thought they were good until I tried something much better, ie: a normal balle head!

I owned both Manfrotto units, sold one and gave the other away.

[nutsnbolts]

Wasn't that just 29 minutes ago? :lol: :)

FYI to both of you, I was lured in by the grip heads when I started, and thought they were good until I tried something much better, ie: a normal balle head!

I owned both Manfrotto units, sold one and gave the other away.

Yes it wasn't that long ago, lol but I have been mulling over it for the past week. I figured I have a 488RC2 already and try out something else but everyone who has them either love them or wished they had a regular ballhead, so 488 is definitely a way to go...no one else has suggested otherwise...that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[holrd]

i wish i would have sprung for a RRS BH-55 instead of being "thrify" and buying the grip. I loathe it now.

[Elton Balch]

The grip can be a real pain to carry in the field and probably won't fit into a bag with the tripod very well.

I sometimes use my 488RC2 with the ball kept somewhat loose and move the camera/lens with both hands on it when following moving subjects. I don't think this is possible with the grip head, as you have to squeeze the grip to loosen the ball. You'd need a third hand to accomplish what I do with my ball head.

Mine fits perfectly into the Manfrotto bag with the horizontal head attached. You are absolutely correct that it is not good for following moving subjects but it is extremely convenient otherwise.;)